Long Island City Brewery Crawl: Try the Best Brews in the Borough

Craft beer has become extremely popular in recent years. Many beer enthusiasts are capitalizing on this trend and their love of the craft by opening microbreweries all over the country.

There are dozens of microbreweries in New York City alone, and Queens just so happens to have the most out of all 5 boroughs. While most of their products are sold in the city’s bars, the best way to experience these beers is by visiting the breweries themselves.

This past week, Long Island City microbrewers have been hosting a 10-day brewery crawl. Crawlers can pick up a “beer passport” at any one of the participating breweries until Sunday, August 23rd.

Since there is no set itinerary, you have the freedom to visit any one of the breweries during their operating hours throughout this weekend. If you stamp your passport at all four breweries, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win awesome prizes, like t-shirts, hats, or even a private brewery tour.

Below are the four LIC breweries participating in the event. Whether you’re a beer aficionado looking to expand your knowledge or a newbie who wants to support local business, check out some of the best brews in Queens!

Rockaway Brewing Co.

Rockaway Brewing Co. is another Long Island City microbrewery, but was founded in a backyard in Far Rockaway, hence the name. Owners Ethan and Marcus used to home-brew beers after long days of surfing at the beach, and now brew enough to serve thirsty surfers from all over the city.

They invite you to stop by their taproom to “jam out to reggae” and try one of their unique brews any day of the week (except Tuesdays, because they’ll be closed.)

If that’s not enough to draw you in, then maybe their pop-up food vendors will do the trick. On the 22nd and 23rd, Traze food stand will whip up some of their famous falafel pizza.

To view their full list of beers and get more information, visit their website.

LIC Beer Project

LIC Beer Project may have only opened its doors this past spring, but that doesn’t make it any less qualified to brew with the big boys. Located on 39-28 23rd Street, they invite you to “join the odyssey” on Friday from 4 PM to 9PM, Saturday from 1 PM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM.

Transmitter Brewing

When Rob Kolb and Anthony Accardi began microbrewing in Greenpoint, they realized they were a long way from the traditional wilderness. However, that didn’t stop them from creating wild and farmhouse ales with hints of urban flavors.

If you’re looking to try some “interesting yeast-driven beers with complimenting grains and hops," then you’ll love what Transmitter Brewing has on tap for the brewery crawl. Try their Brett Farmhouse ale, Rye Saison or their Oat Grisette.

Transmitter Brewing is located at 53-02 11th street and is open on Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM and Saturday-Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.

The All Queens Beer Garden at LIC Flea

There are only a few days left to grab a beer passport and check out these breweries for yourself. But if you’re pressed for time this weekend, LIC Flea has a one-stop shop for all of the brews that Queens has to offer.

The LIC Beer Garden carries beer from all four of these breweries, as well as three other Queens microbreweries. They offer a flight of beers so you can sample up to 6 brews of your choosing. The Beer Garden also boasts a large outdoor seating area and live music performances.

Now in its third season, LIC Flea & Food has been bringing the best food, shopping, and entertainment to Center Boulevard from spring through fall. Come soak up the last few weekends of summer at LIC Flea on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. To learn more, visit their website.